Mighty Mommy

“When you come to the land that I am giving you, the land should rest a Shabbos for Hashem.”

(Vayikra 25:2)

The Midrash says that the pasuk in Tehillim, “Bless Hashem, His angels, those mighty in strength…” (103:20) refers to those who observe shemittah, as it says in Avos (4:1): “Who is strong? One who controls his yetzer.”

Why are specifically those who keep shemittah referred to as giborei koach — mighty in strength? Surely there are other mitzvos that require physical strength and spiritual stamina (Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Dorash Dovid).

It was the perfect spring day with blue skies and a gentle breeze. Despite all I needed to get done, I decided there was no way we could stay inside on a day like this. Feeling proud of my spontaneity, I piled the younger kids and a couple of grandchildren into the car, and headed to the beach in Ashdod.

We identify gevurah with koach, power, whether physical or spiritual. However, the Midrash shows that gevurah is actually a more potent power — that of being moser one’s nefesh, utilizing one’s entire being when facing challenge. Thus, the farmer’s gevurah is that of inner strength, the ability to accept an uncertain future for the sake of Hashem.

If one relies only on his strength, he’ll only fight if he’s convinced he’ll prevail. Yet one who’s willing to be moser nefesh, and fight even when he’s uncertain about victory, can muster energy far beyond his limited powers.

Such gevurah isn’t a given. It’s like the gevurah of the angels, who dedicate their entire existence to Hashem’s honor.

Mothering rule #1: Never expect your Best-Mommy-Award ideas to be reciprocated in your children’s behavior. Within ten minutes of the hour-long ride, I was regretting my impulsive attempt at fun mothering.

Shloimie was whining nonstop from the back seat, complaining that: his mosquito bite was infected, and he’d probably end up in the hospital; he was choking ’cuz his nephew wanted the window closed so he’d probably end up in the hospital; and if I didn’t buy him a drink soon, he’d probably dehydrate and end up in the hospital. Personally, the thought of spending time in the hospital was sounding more fun than the atmosphere in my car.

I gritted my teeth, trying to ignore him, but my frustration was rising fast. Couldn’t we just have fun around here?